Headaches

[Cazbar8]

Hi there, I have only just joined this forum. This is all new to me. I was diagnosed with RA in November last year. Just wondered does Methotrexate cause headaches? Thanks

[Hidden]

Yes it can when I first started methotrexate tablets each time they increased my dose I got headaches when I got to 20mg they were really bad so I stayed 15mg for sometime then changed to injections . It is worth mentioning to your nurse

[Cazbar8 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I was on 15mg and now it has been reduced to 10mg as my blood tests were showing that my liver wasn’t very happy. I just notice a few times a week I suddenly get a headache! Also, I am so tired recently, I struggle

To get out of bed, which is so unlike me 😕

[Hidden in reply to Cazbar8]

I was recently taken off methotrexate after 4 years . Many people get a methotrexate hangover the next day or so but mine got so bad that I so sleepy and achey for 6 out of 7 days. One week I slept 36 hours. I was taken off methotrexate for 5 weeks I’ve just restarted on a much lower dose. You can fatigue if your flaring. I don’t always have swelling or pain I do get stiffness with fatigue or just fatigue it’s a sign my disease is active

[Cazbar8 in reply to Hidden]

Sorry to hear how bad it got for you. Mine seems to be constantly flared, I guess I do need to give the Methotrexate a bit more time though.

[dawkin_S]

Yes, it did for me at first and with each dose increase as well, but then they cleared up and the tiredness improved too. I would say stick with taking your folic acid, and for me if I took a painkiller at the very first hint of a headache and drank LOTS of water it seemed to help.

Of course, if it doesn't clear up you should definitely mention it to your nurse, as J1707 says.

[Cazbar8 in reply to dawkin_S]

Thanks, I have been taking one folic acid two days after taking Methotrexate and another one two days after that. Yes I think i will mention it.

[Bhasvic64 in reply to Cazbar8]

I have been having mxt by injection for some years now and was told from the beginning to take folic acid every day but mxt day so that might help. Speak to your Dr about it if you can.

[Rashford20]

I’ve only been on it for a month and the only side effect I’ve noticed is some fatigue which can come on fairly quickly.

[Cazbar8 in reply to Rashford20]

Thanks, that’s what I noticed, how quick it comes on. I just find it so frustrating as I am the sort of person that never sits down. Always on the go. The feeling of just not being able to / wanting to get out of bed really gets to me

[dawkin_S in reply to Cazbar8]

Oh I feel for you on that one! I've had to accept that sometimes I just have to lie down and rest. Took getting used to though, I can tell you.

[Mmrr]

Yes, I got MTX headaches for a couple days after injecting, then they eased off before it was time to inject again.

[Cazbar8 in reply to Mmrr]

I couldn’t imagining injecting, I take the tablet form. Think I would be too scared to put a needle in myself 🙈

[Hidden in reply to Cazbar8]

Injection is so easy and pain free and you absorb more of the medications our digestive system can destroy part of the dose. It can also stop nausea. Totally understand your frustration with fatigue. Once upon a time I never stopped I can’t believe how much I did in a day🥺🥺really miss that. I aim to get back to some of it it’s just a case of getting the right meds... patience and trial and error with meds. It’s early days for you RA can’t be rushed but it is frustrating your not on your own

[Mmrr in reply to Cazbar8]

Injecting is very easy, most of the medications come in pen form , so it's just press and click. Pain free.

[JFlay]

Yes, I had headaches (never usually get them) they were more like migraines with visual disturbances, horrible.

My liver also went slightly haywire.

I stuck it for 6 months then changed to a different dmard.

[Cazbar8 in reply to JFlay]

The same for me, I have never suffered with headaches. Mine aren’t too bad, but I have just noticed that I am getting them more frequently, seems to be more in the evening.

They have reduced my dosage to 4 tablets a week as opposed to 6, the last blood test showed my liver is back to normal which is good. My consultant said about maybe adding another medication in the mix as the 4 tablets a week isn’t enough.

It’s so lovely being able to talk to other people on here in the same position, really appreciate all the responses

[Slotsfan]

I had a bad migraine every week due to them but it stopped after 6 months

[springcross]

HI Cazbar. Welcome to the forum. I get headaches for two days after injection then it seems to clear. Hope all goes well for you.

[Cazbar8 in reply to springcross]

Hi there, thank you 🙂. I think I will bring it up with my consultant, she wants to see me in a few weeks anyway.

[springcross in reply to Cazbar8]

Good luck. x

[Hidden]

I was on methotrexate I had very bad headaches and nausea its unfortunately a side effect

[Cazbar8 in reply to Hidden]

Did you come off it, due to the side effects?

[Hidden in reply to Cazbar8]

Yes I did I was diagnosed in 2016 I've tried enbrel methotrexate amjevita benepali injections prednisolone all affected me badly now I'm after seeing my rheumatologist and I'm starting avara tablets once a day hopefully these will work

[Cazbar8 in reply to Hidden]

Fingers crossed it gets sorted for you 🤞

[Hidden]

Thank you hope so I've had enough of side effects hope you feel better soon